RespectAbility

Entertainment and news media - Respectability is a diverse, disability-led nonprofit that works to create systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities, and that advances policies and practices that empower people with disabilities to have a better future. Our mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. We change attitudes by promoting diverse, authentic, and accurate portrayals of people with disabilities in news media, tv, film, and streaming services.

Leadership and workforce development - developing leaders and creating a talent pipeline of people with disabilities. Our national leadership program is a 5-month fellowship that trains young leaders with disabilities in advocacy, public policy, communications, development, nonprofit management, leadership and workforce development and effective writing for successful careers. We have graduated 300 leaders with disabilities and allies with an 85 percent success rate in employment or further educational opportunities. Our inclusive philanthropy initiatives enable the nonprofit sector to learn how to ensure their work is accessible and equitable for all. Our los angeles hollywood lab trains entertainment professionals with disabilities working behind the camera and helps place them in jobs at major studios, networks, and production companies.

Policy and civic engagement - advancing opportunities by identifying and promoting best practices in education, employment, civic engagement and accessibility so people with disabilities can succeed. We have provided testimony in every state and published toolkits, webinars, and articles on best practices on disability inclusion. We have published research and professional surveys and polls on disability employment, media representation of disabilities, criminal justice reform and disability inclusion in the philanthropic sector. We publish nonpartisan voting guides for state and federal elections and conduct surveys of political candidates on their positions for advancing disability inclusion and employment. We participate in a task force of more than 110 national disability organizations, participate in an employment roundtable with various stakeholders, and partner with providers to create better employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Other programs include faith inclusion and belonging and community outreach